The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is now issued in place of the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) after the Brexit deal. Both the EHIC and GHIC offer access to medical facilities in case of an emergency or necessary healthcare requirements within the EU, while on holiday, on business or while studying in any of the countries.
The term GHIC is a bit of a misnomer as it is neither completely an insurance nor global in its utility.
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Who is eligible for a GHIC?
Any individual can register and get a GHIC provided:
- Must be a resident of the UK
- Can reside anywhere else but have citizenship in the UK
- Students from the UK going for education to a country within the EU
- Non-UK citizens but legal residents of the UK will need to furnish proof of residency when registering for a GHIC
- Students moving to the EU for education must apply for a time-limited GHC for the duration of the course and it can only be done via post.
Applying for a GHIC
- Those that already have an EHIC, can continue its use until its expiration. EHICs are valid for 5 years so if issued recently before Brexit they would still be good for a couple of years.
- If an EHIC has expired or nearing expiration there is a need to apply for a fresh card and in this case, the GHIC will be issued instead.
- It can be applied online with the card arriving in 10 working days.
Do I need a GHIC for my kids?
Yes, a GHIC card is mandatory for every individual family member including kids. For kids less than 16 years the guardian/parent will have to apply on their behalf by filling in the dependent section of the form.
What is different between EHIC & GHIC?
The EHIC includes all 27 EU nations and also the EEA (Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway)
The GHIC only offers support in 27 nations of the EU
Those individuals that have a valid EHIC can no longer use it in the EEA (Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) since January 01, 2021. The exception is those UK citizens visiting any of these 4 nations before January 01, 2021, and still in the country, will receive coverage until they leave.
Is there an EU territory excluded from GHIC coverage?
Some of the European areas/ territories where EHIC/GHIC are not accepted are:
- San Marino
- The Isle of Man
- the Channel Islands (Alderney, Guernsey and Sark)
- Monaco
- The Vatican
Post-Brexit will an EHIC be valid for use?
The EHIC will remain valid post Brexit, however, the following countries will be excluded (Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). For the remaining countries within the EU, the EHIC will remain valid until its expiration.
Do I need to get an EHIC or GHIC?
The majority of UK residents when applying have to register for a GHIC that will replace the EHIC.
However, certain groups may still register for an EHIC such as:
- UK student studying or on placement in the EU before December 31, 2020
- Any Swiss, EEA or EU national staying in the UK before December 31, 2020.
- Any UK national staying in the EU before 31 December 2020 and on the UK healthcare roll
- Any other individual that qualifies under the guidelines of the Brexit agreement
Is it necessary to have an EHIC/ GHIC?
- Having either an EHIC/GHIC gives the cardholder a legal right to get state healthcare emergency treatment while in the EU when on holiday in case of falling ill or any sudden other medical emergencies.
- A point to note is neither an EHIC nor GHIC is valid for planned medical treatment in the host nation. i.e., travel especially for treatment to an EU country.
- Both cover routine pregnancy check-ups and pre-existing conditions. However, women travelling to give birth specifically in an EU country are not covered.
- Both are reciprocal, with EU citizens equally entitled to the NHS in a similar manner when in the UK.
- Another caveat is having an EHIC/GHIC will not ensure complete free healthcare. While it may be free in some countries, others might charge a small amount, the same they normally would charge their citizens.
- Make sure to separately buy travel insurance when on a trip to the EU as neither the EHIC/ GHIC cover all aspects of medical expenses.
